Chapter 8
Garret sprung into action, delivering a swift blow to the woman's head. She fell to her knees, but continued to strangle the ruler of Lennox.
"He killed our princess, it was him!" The woman bellowed, choking the life out of the golden king. Garrett hit her again, this time she staggered and fell, letting go of Rordan.
"Guards, take this woman to our solitary confinement cells until justice can be served." Garrett ordered. The dark woman was dragged out of the royal hall, barely breathing, but still struggling.
The Lieutenant kneeled next to his brother, helping him up. His face was pale and sweaty; his crystal blue eyes were pale with terror and panic. Garrett quickly called a medic, who led the king away for examination and care. Seeing that his brother was properly cared for, Garrett stalked off to find the woman who, he was sure, had the answers to his questions.
--
Phoenix laid in the milky bath water, inhaling the scents of lavender and other spicy oils. This is even better than heaven I am sure, she thought to herself.
Suddenly, a figure burst into her bathing room, ruining her paradise like bath. Angrily she looked up to see none other than Garrett.
"Get out of that bath you silly woman and get dressed, NOW!" He commanded in a tone that made the assassin quiver. She wrapped her self in a long towel and sulked into her large, extravagant room. She put on a long, cotton tunic and brown capris, which were covered in knee length riding boots.
"You can come in, Garrett." Phoenix said with a hint of aggravation mixed with curiosity.
Although, Phoenix thought, slightly amused, Rordan is handsome; Garrett has something that his kingly brother doesn't. He looks, so much warmer. Phoenix blushed slightly as her thoughts traveled down a less innocent path.
Garrett was pacingback in forth in front of her bed, where she sat rigidly. He looked at her, anger hardened his normally soft features.
"Rordan, was just attacked…BY A WOMAN. She claims she did it for you and your mother. Do you know of this?"
Phoenix sighed, "Yes, blame the assassin."
Garrett eyed her warily, "Phoenix I am not in the mood for your sarcasm or facetiousness. Tell me, did or did you not know of this attack?"
Phoenix stood up, eyeing the man squarely, "I knew nothing of it!"
He huffed and sat down in a chair, placing his head in his large hands, "Good. I didn't think you did, but, well, I believe she is from your mother's tribe. She is in solitary confinement, you may go see her."
Her interest piqued, Phoenix nodded and walked out of the room, half walking, half jogging to the palace jail.
--
Valdis lay in her prison cell nursing her throbbing head. I almost had him, revenge was almost mine, and now I am to die without ever seeing Sieglinde, the promised one, and the death of that blonde bastard who murdered my sister. She heard foot steps coming toward her small room and sat up, determined not to let them see her suffer.
To her surprise, a lovely, dark haired woman with a chin much like her own was standing before her. Valdis gasped.
"You are much like your mother in demeanor, but you have your father's good looks." Valdis smiled airily.
Phoenix scowled, "And who are you that you know of my father and mother? I have never seen you before."
Valdis grinned, revealing stunning white teeth against her black skin, "You have seen me before, only you were too young to remember at the time. I am your mother's sister, Valdis, and I have come to take you to your grandfather. He is dying and you are the only person that he will see."
Phoenix stepped back, "W-What? But I am not his successor."
"Sieglinde, you are the promised one. You must free me so I can take you to Sinbadda to fulfill your destiny."
"I will be going there regardless if you take me or not, I have been ordered to kill the Cheiftan's grandson to ensure Lennox' victory when Rordan wages war against them." Pheonix sneered, a nasty scowl on her face.
Valdis, in a swift move, grabbed Phoenix' arm and thrust her around, so that, if the assassin moved, her arm would break.
"You would kill your own kind? What has happened to you? Your mother taught you better than that."
"My mother," Phoenix hissed, "is dead. She left me!"
Valdis gently let go of her niece, "You are sorely mistaken young one. Your mother lives and I can show you to her."
At this, the killer's world spun….